OUR MISSION
Connect high-quality, early-stage companies with active angel investors.
Based in Fort Worth, TX, Cowtown Angels is an angel network that connects entrepreneurs seeking early-stage funding with local investors in an environment that accelerates growth and rewards strategic risk-taking. Cowtown Angels is a program of TechFW, a non-profit organization created to encourage the development of the local business community by helping regional entrepreneurs commercialize innovative technology, and is a member of the Angel Capital Association and the Alliance of Texas Angel Networks.
Cowtown Angels is developing the Fort Worth startup community through...
1
Its ability to pool individual capital in order to make large contributions.
3
The breadth and depth of member expertise, which offers entrepreneurs robust intangible resources.
2
Its engagement with the entrepreneur through mentorship and connections, which can accelerate growth.
4
The freedom to invest in a wide range of industries.
COWTOWN ANGELS
Management
Cowtown Angels is managed by the TechFW team.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
HAYDEN BLACKBURN
Executive Director, Cowtown Angels and TechFW
As a graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business with a Minor in Psychology, Hayden started his professional career in the field of economic development working in business recruitment and business retention and has has spent the last decade working in economic, community, and small business development. With a belief in the power of community development through engagement and partnerships he was the founding Director of IDEA Works FW, a mixed-industry incubator formed from a public-private partnership with the City of Fort Worth, and guided the vision and launch of the program for its first three years.
He has served as an organizer for multiple Startup Weekend events and is a past organizer for the Fort Worth chapter of I Million Cups. In the community he serves on the boards for the Near Southside, Inc., the Fort Worth Library Foundation and volunteers with various groups exploring entrepreneurship with youth in our community.
COWTOWN ANGELS
Steering Council
The Cowtown Angels Steering Council is a group of elected Angel Investor Members who graciously volunteer their time to ensure continued success of the program.
How it Works
Application: Operating on a monthly cycle, all startup applications must be submitted no later than the last Wednesday of the previous month to be considered for the month’s Screening.
Screening: The Cowtown Angels screening committee first reviews each month’s applications and selects the most promising companies to move on to the next steps in the process. Applicants are notified within 48 hours of the screening meeting if selected to attend the Forum.
Forum: At Forum, the startups will formally present to our most active angels. They’ll be given 10 minutes to pitch to the group, and at the end, there will be time for Q&A.
Deep Dive: The startups selected for Deep Dive are invited to meet with interested investors the Wednesday following Forum. Deep Dive is meant to allow adequate time for investors to ask detailed questions before moving in to Due Diligence.
Due Diligence: Cowtown Angels members interested in a company form a due diligence team, headed by a Deal Lead. This is where the members and program scholars conduct research and evaluate the company from multiple perspectives. This process includes, but is not limited to, an evaluation of: Competition, Market Opportunity, Financial Models, Applied Technology and Legal Structure. Specific documentation from the entrepreneurs may be requested throughout this process.
Term Sheet: Following completion of Due Diligence, interested Cowtown Angels members will draft and present a term sheet to outline the investment deal. Key elements, such as industry standard terms and provisions, type of equity and board representation will be addressed.
Funding: Each Cowtown Angels member makes individual investment decisions. The respective Deal Lead will communicate with the entrepreneurs about anticipated amounts.
Cowtown Angels is a proud member of the Alliance of Texas Angel Networks, ATAN, a non-profit organization designed to increase the already high level of cooperation between many of the angel investors in Texas.
Cowtown Angels is also a member of the Angel Capital Association, ACA, the leading professional and trade association supporting the success of angel investors in high-growth, early-stage ventures.
Apply for Funding
Have you determined that raising funds from angel investors is a good fit for you?
Be our Guest
Do you want to get a glimpse of what being a Cowtown Angels member is like?